The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-03-19
THE PASTORS INSTITUTE.

The Universalist Pastors Institute
of the Northwest, will begin it's ses-
sions at the Church of the Redeemer,
in this city, on Tuesday, April II, and
continue eight days, closing on the 10th.
The committee, consisting of Revs.
Amos Crum, of Dubuque, J. Coleman
Adams and Charles Conklin, of Chicago,
in issuing the invitations, which were
distributed last week, remarks: 1.-THE
committee feels itself fortunate in
''having the splendid success of the one
"held two years ago as a warrant of
"what may be expected at the coming
session. 1t is confidently believed
THAT in systematic arrangement of
''subjects and wide scope of matters to
''be treated, the second program will
"surpass the first. And with the ex-
''perience of the former meeting to
guide us there is no reason why the
coming gathering should not. surpass
''even the unqualified success of its
predecessor. A warm interest has
''been shown in the progress of the pre-
''liminary work, and there seems to be
mot doubt that the attendance will be
Large and enthusiastic. Let brethren
everywhere strain every nerve to come.
"Do not lose this opportunity of meet
ling your brethren and working with
"them for week. Come, in the spirit
''of work. Come, with hearts ready for
"a new conservation. Come, in season
''for the first meeting and remain till
''the close of the conservation meeting
Let us make the largest possible use
''of this means for self-advancement
land the good of the church,
The Institute of 1885 was one of the
most profitable assemblies ever held
in our church. 1t brought together a
larger number of our western pastors
than any previous occasion in our his
tory, with the possible exception of the
General Convention in this city many
years ago. The spirit of that Institute
was admirable from first to last, aud it
exerted wide and salutary influence;
to the younger members of our clergy,
it was exceedingly valuable. 1t gave
them an opportunity to contrast meth
DDS of pulpit preparation and pastoral
work, and opened up lines of practical
administration which was almost lib
eral education. The Institute was to
our young men broadening out of the
studies of the theological school, and
valuable supplementary education in
the things they need most to learn in
the practical work of the ministry. In
the special instruction of the occasion,
the ability displayed in the many excel
lent papers, the earnest and searching
discussions which followed, and in the
sound and common-sense views of pas
toral duty, the Institute of 1885 was
notable and very inspiring occasion.
The question now comes, can the In
stitute of this year be made another
such success In the view of the COM
mittee, it will be seen, that this is not
only possible, but with the experience
already gained, the assembly of the
present year may be made even more
valuable to all who attend. There is
no doubt that if the pastors give their
presence, and come prepared for work,
and to remain at work during its ses-
sions, that another very large and prof.
table Institute will be the result. 1t
largely depends on the pastors. If they
respond promptly and favorably to the
invitation of the committee, and fall
into line for the eight days work and
study, the occasion will be made sue
cessful. 1t will be successful in the de-
gree that there is an attendance. A
profitable and Industrious session will
be held, if there are twenty pastors
present; but the dignity of the occa-
sion and the practical advantages of the
Institute to all our pastors should Sc
cure three or four fold that number.
The committee have spared no pains
in making the preliminary arrange
ments. An excellent program is arrang-
ed. The topics for consideration are of
vital interest, and many of them have
special reference to the work of the
ministry, and the needs of the churches.
The instruction of the Institute and the